Star-Telegram endorsement: A Democrat who can compete in attorney general race
A rare open attorney general race might signal an opportunity for the out-of-power party. Republicans have four strong candidates to extend their grip on the office, so Democrats will need a nominee with the widest possible appeal.
All three Democratic candidates strike us as well-qualified with records of leadership and achievement. But the political edge belongs to Nathan Johnson, a state senator from Dallas. His record in three terms in Austin speaks to an ability to reach across the aisle without sacrificing core values. It’s the kind of approach he’ll need for Democrats to have a chance at an upset.
In our interview with the candidates, Johnson, 58, laid out promising areas for action on behalf of Texas consumers, an important function of the attorney general’s office. He said that some tech and data companies may be approaching dangerous monopoly status. Johnson also identified potential impact on the housing market by going after big owners of multifamily residences over pricing and junk fees.
Dallas lawyer Tony Box, 57, isn’t as well known as his opponents. But he has a solid resume, from Army officer to FBI agent and federal prosecutor. He offered solid recommendations to improve the main priorities of the attorney general’s office, including upgrading technology to enhance child-support collection. He noted that consumers are seeing increasing financial scams in cryptocurrency and other areas and vowed to act.
Joe Jaworski, a former Galveston mayor who turns 64 just before the primary, is probably the most dynamic candidate. He brings the energy of a trial lawyer with extensive experience winning over juries. But that image can cut both ways with voters.
Jaworski is solid on issues, offering a compelling plan to reorganize the AG’s office to create a division focused on affordability issues, including insurance premiums in both healthcare and property coverage. He would investigate the food supply chain, too, in an effort to combat inflation and help Texas farmers and ranchers struggling to make ends meet.
Early voting begins Feb. 17 and ends Feb. 27. Election Day is March 3. To win, a candidate must take a majority of the vote, so a May 26 runoff is possible. The attorney general serves a four-year term.
About our campaign endorsements
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; and Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
This story was originally published February 15, 2026 at 4:39 AM.